HIPPA - Himpupan Petani Pemakai Air (Water User Association-WUAs) and Employment Opportunities in Rural Area - Case Study of a Village in Plumpang District, Tuban Regency

Indonesia has many large rivers but sometimes agricultural areas on the riverside are less fortunate because in the rainy season they are affected by floods due to river overflow and in dry season drought occurs. This caused the agricultural sector in the area to be less attractive to the villagers. However, the success of managing agriculture irrigation in riparian areas by HIPPA has an impact on the absorption of labor in rural areas. Agricultural irrigation management involving the participation of rural communities has been set forth in the Minister of Agriculture Regulation No.79 / Permentan / OT.140 / 12/2012 on Water Resources Management. This paper explains, “to what extent is the impact of the success of HIPPA on the absorption of labor in rural areas?”. The study was conducted from April 2016 to December 2017, with a qualitative approach at HIPPA which has successfully managed agricultural irrigation. Success was measured from their independence, sustainability in managing irrigation and even gaining economic benefits. The results of successful HIPPA gave impact to the absorption of labor in rural areas. The types of work including: a) work related to farming; b) work related to HIPPA management; c) non-farm activities related to trade and services of HIPPA and farming.